PANAJI
The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman solemnly concluded the Year of the Ordinary Jubilee on December 28, 2025, the Feast of the Holy Family, with a Eucharistic celebration at the Se Cathedral, Old Goa. The Holy Mass was presided over by Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese, with several priests concelebrating.
In his homily, Fr Nelson Sequeira, Professor at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, reflected on the meaning of the Jubilee Year and stressed the importance of hope in Christian life, as seen in the Holy Family of Nazareth. He urged the faithful to become visible signs of hope within their families, parishes and society.
Explaining the deeper meaning of the Jubilee, Fr Sequeira said that while the physical doors of churches and basilicas opened at the inauguration would now be closed, the doors of people’s hearts must remain open so that the fruits gained during the Jubilee could benefit others.
He referred to several moments in the life of the Holy Family and appealed to the faithful to live these values in their daily lives and become signs of hope in today’s world.
Speaking on the occasion, Bishop Simião Fernandes, who also served as Convenor of the Diocesan Jubilee Committee, thanked the members of the committee for their dedication and assured them of his continued prayers and spiritual support.
The Jubilee Year in the Archdiocese, themed “Hope Does Not Disappoint Us” (Rom 5:5), was inaugurated on December 29, 2024. During the year, nearly 40 Jubilees were celebrated, bringing together different sections of the faithful for prayer, reflection and renewal. As part of the concluding liturgy, the Jubilee Cross was carried by young people in the entrance procession. Representatives of the various Jubilees brought symbolic fruits and attached them to the mango tree planted at the inauguration of the Jubilee Year in 2024, showing the spiritual fruits of the year.
A video presentation highlighting the Jubilees celebrated during the year was screened before the Mass. The liturgy was coordinated by Fr Leslie Noronha as commentator and Fr Afonso Mendonça, Director of the Diocesan Liturgical Centre. Valerio Fernandes led the liturgical singing, while Fr Leo Fernandes, Executive Secretary of the Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat, thanked all involved. The Jubilee Year was formally concluded with the closing of the Jubilee door of the Se Cathedral.
During the Jubilee, the Archdiocese had designated certain parishes and pious places for gaining the Jubilee indulgence, which could also be obtained through works of mercy. The celebrations ended with a call to remain pilgrims of hope in faith and service.
